This exotic invader from Europe is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Spotted knapweed threatens wildlife habitat, pastures, and grasses, and causes problems for Christmas tree growers. Knapweed invasions cause losses averaging up to 63 percent of available grazing forage. Many spotted knapweed infestations start on rights of-way or from infested gravel or fill.

Legal status in King County, Washington

Spotted knapweed is a Class B noxious weed. Property owners in King County are required to control this plant. This species is also on the Washington quarantine list (known as the prohibited plants list) and it is prohibited to transport, buy, sell, offer for sale, or to distribute plants or plant parts, seeds in packets, blends or "wildflower mixes" of this species, into or within the state of Washington. For more information about noxious weed regulations and definitions, see Noxious weed lists and laws.

Biology and morphology

Spotted knapweed is a perennial with several branched upright stems growing from a stout taproot; usually to 5 feet tall. Leaves become smaller as they advance up the stem; heads of pink to purple (sometimes white) flowers grow at the ends of the branches; excluding flowers, the heads are about 1/4" in diameter by 1/2" tall. Bracts around the flower heads have obvious vertical veins below the black triangular spot on the bract tip. It flowers continuously from early summer into the fall, as long as moisture and temperatures permit.

Additional information on spotted knapweed

• Spotted knapweed weed alert (373 KB Acrobat file)
• Spotted knapweed Best Management Practices (187 KB Acrobat file)
• Selected knapweeds of Washington (316 KB Acrobat file)
• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (external link)

What to do if you find this plant in King County, Washington

Please notify us if you see spotted knapweed growing in King County. Our program staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific advice on how best to remove it. Also, because spotted knapweed is is not established in King County, we have an opportunity to stop it from spreading if we act quickly. We map all known locations of regulated noxious weeds such as spotted knapweed in order to help us and others locate new infestations in time to control them.

Spotted knapweed photos

Report spotted knapweed in King County, Washington

• Please notify us through our online infestation form

Locate spotted knapweed in King County, Washington

• Use our interactive noxious weed map and search for spotted knapweed

Related information

• Agriculture in King County, Washington
• Northwest yard and garden
• Animals, plants and habitat

Related agencies

• Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks
• Water and Land Resources Division

Program offices are located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104. To contact staff, see the Noxious Weed Control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED (206-477-9333).